Monster Employment Index Records Growth

September 10, 2010 – The Monster Employment Index (MEI), a monthly analysis of millions of online job opportunities culled from a large, representative selection of corporate career sites and job boards, has recorded its seventh consecutive month of positive, year-over-year growth rate at 12 percent. The annual growth rate eased from July possibly due to moderation in underlying job market drivers. The Index dropped two points (one percent) in August as online job demand eased contrary to seasonal patterns traditionally witnessed at this time of the year. “While the Monster Employment Index experienced a marginal contraction in August, several industries, occupations and all 28 metro markets including Cleveland and Detroit continue to record positive annual growth trends,” said Jesse Harriott, senior vice president and chief knowledge officer at Monster Worldwide. “The fact that the rate of annual growth has eased from July suggests that employers' continued cautious outlook is informing their short term hiring activity.” Online recruitment activity rose in six of the 20 industries between July and August. Compared to year-ago levels, 17 industries are showing positive growth trends, although at decelerated rates from July. Among the industries, health care and social assistance maintained steady recruitment levels, in-line with seasonal patterns and was one of the few sectors to see annual growth rate accelerate from 16 percent in July to 19 percent in August.